A man arrested while "trying to remove UVF banners" from a lamppost in a unionist community has been released without charge.

A video of Frank McGirr’s seizure in Moygashel, Dungannon appeared on Facebook sites on Thursday night.

The 64-year-old was filmed being taken away by a number of police officers "to prevent a breach of the peace".

It appears McGirr, from Stewartstown, had brought a ladder with him to take down posters on a nearby lamppost commemorating the UVF and loyalist terrorist Wesley Somerville.

But it is understood he was interrupted by a group of local people who then filmed him being taken away in handcuffs by officers between 4-5pm.

McGirr, who uses a walking stick to get around, fell to his knees at one point during his arrest.

Onlookers can also be heard swearing at him in the back ground.

Frank McGirr fell to his knees during his arrest

A woman warned him "don't come back taking any posters down here again".

A spokesperson for the PSNI said: "A 64-year-old man was arrested in Moygashel on Thursday 28th June to prevent a breach of the peace. He was released a short time later."

The British Truth Forum took to Facebook to encourage loyalists to film anyone acting in a similar manner - and not to use their "fists or feet".

Leader William Lennox said: "Can we please give a pat on the back and a cheer for showing everyone the right way to deal with these muppets.

It is alleged he was trying to remove a UVF banner featuring loyalist terrorist Wesley Somerville

"Any further attacks, video them and send them straight to us. Again, great job to the people for the people."

This is not the first time McGirr has been caught up in controversy.

He faced loyalist Willie Frazer in court in 2017, after being accused of making threats to kill him at his Markethill home in 2015.

CCTV footage emerged of the pair in a physical struggle in the garden.

The incident came a year after Willie Frazer said the McGirr family should be "charged for the rounds the soldiers used" to kill his brother.

Three PSNI officers escorted him to their car

IRA men Colm McGirr, 23, and 19-year-old Brian Campbell were shot dead by the SAS near Coalisland, Co Tyrone in 1983.

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